Monthly Archives: April 2020

cremation service in Walnut Creek, CA

Talking to Children About Death

Losing a loved one is never easy, and everyone handles these losses in different ways including children. Its particularly difficult to know how a child will handle a death and a cremation service in Walnut Creek, CA. Many parents and guardians struggle with what to say and how to speak to children about death.

For starters, you have to keep in mind that every child is different and will deal with grief in a different way. Be prepared that just because one kid was more open to communicate another kid may not be the same, and keep these tips in mind:

  • Be Honest – Kids are smarter than they seem, especially when it comes to emotions. Be honest with the child about how you’re feeling and let him know that he can express his feelings honesty, too.
  • Be Prepared for a Variety of Reactions – Every kid reacts differently to loss and death, so be prepared for a variety of reactions. This is especially true if this is the first time the child will have lost someone close to him. Let the child deal with the loss in his own way and be prepared to support him however he needs.
  • Talk About the Future – The child will most likely have questions about how this loss will affect the future. Be reassuring but honest about changes, like how holidays will be a bit different but still fun.
  • Focus on Understanding – Focus the conversation on what death and loss means to make sure the child understands what has happened. Let him know what death is so that he is not left confused or with questions.
  • Grieve Together – Don’t be afraid to express your emotions in front of the child. Crying together is a good way to move forward and heal.
  • Prepare for the Funeral or Service – Be sure to spend time discussing what the funeral or service will be like. Your child might have questions about the burial or cremation, so be prepared to answer them. You should also discuss funeral etiquette and the exact plan for the day of the service.

You can also help your child manage and understand his grief through various activities. There are lots of activities to try, from one to get him talking about his feelings or one to have him create something to keep memories of the deceased. For example, you can try creating a memory box. Help the child make a special box in which he can keep keepsakes that remind him of the deceased. For younger children you can build the box and help them decorate it, while older children might be able to build the box themselves. You can also try a feeling matching game in which the child connects his feelings with positive actions in order to help him work through what he’s feeling.

To learn more about dealing with loss or Walnut Creek, CA cremation services please reach out to Deer Creek Funeral Service by visiting 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546 or calling (510) 317-7890.

funeral home services in Walnut Creek, CA

Who Will Arrange Your Funeral Home Service?

According to tradition it is the next of kin that makes arrangements for funeral home services in Walnut Creek, CA. However, sometimes people wish to designate other people besides their next of kin to be in charge of their funeral planning after they’re gone, and that’s OK.

Everyone has a right to choose their final wishes for once they’re gone, and these choices include who gets to plan and make important decisions. But how do you designate other people besides the next of kin? According to state law, all instructions for last wishes must meet certain requirements in order for them to considered legal and binding. These requirements include:

  • Signature of the decedent
  • Acknowledgement of the decedent signature, meaning getting the document notarized
  • Signature of the agent or successor agreeing to act as the decedent’s agent after death

Whether you want to designate a close friend, an estate executor, or even one of your children, it is possible to choose who arranges your funeral service. Any modifications to a document must be in writing and also notarized in to make them valid. While these requirements seem like a lot, its actually easier than you think to meet them as many states have specific forms for people to leave final instructions and to designate someone other than their next of kind to make final arrangements.

However, it’s important to remember that these forms do not trump or replace a Power of Attorney or a legal will, as they are only there to provide end of life instructions. Again, any and all written instructions, from a Power of Attorney to an end of life form, must be signed by both parties before the death. There are a few other important next of kin topics. Start with these tips, and follow up with an attorney for more information and guidance:

  • Do Your Own Research – Understanding how your state handles end of life arrangements and associated legal matters is very important. Do some research of your own to make sure you understand.
  • Make and Distribute Copies – Don’t just fill out the forms and forget about them. Make and give out copies to important people like those named in the document or caregivers.
  • Be Specific – Be specific in your end of life instructions. Include information such as the type of disposition you want as clearly as possible.
  • Non-Traditional Relationships – Nontraditional relationships, like common law marriages, same sex relationships, or even families with lots of children often require additional steps and paperwork. Do research if you think this applies to your situation to make sure you’re covered.
  • Consult a Lawyer – It’s always a good idea to consult an attorney before making any official plans as they can best advise you on how to proceed.

You have every right to designate whomever you want to arrange your funeral service, but be sure to do it correctly to make sure your wishes are followed. If you want more information on Walnut Creek, CA funeral homes, just reach out to Deer Creek Funeral Service. You can stop by and visit us at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546 or call us at (510) 317-7890.

cremation services in Dublin, CA

Cremation Services and Cremation Container Laws

As required by law, during all cremation services in Dublin, CA, the body is placed inside a cremation container before being put inside the cremation chamber. These fully combustible containers are large and sturdy enough to hold the body during transportation to the chamber and during the cremation itself. Cremation containers can vary from simple cardboard boxes to more traditional caskets. There are a few different kinds of cremation containers, each with different intentions and needs. The main thing that they all have in common is that they are fully combustible, meaning they don’t have any parts that won’t melt or break down under extreme heat like decorations or metal handles.

Read also: Cremations in Pop Culture

The kind of container that is chose depends on a few key factors including the family’s wishes, the size of the person, whether or not there will be a viewing with the body present, local laws, the crematory’s standards and, of course, budget.

The most common kind of cremation container is a rigid cardboard box that is large enough to hold an average body. The purpose of the container is to provide a dignified means of storing the body prior to cremation and to literally contain the body while it is being prepared for cremation and when entering the retort. These common containers are simple and unadorned, making them budget friendly for those looking for an inexpensive option.

Families can also choose to rent caskets for the funeral service and then use a common cremation container for the cremation itself. This is a good way to save money while also honoring the deceased with a more decorated casket. Rental caskets are kept sanitary with removable linings, shells and overlays that are used to hold the body in the rental as well as the cremation container.

Read also: Cremation Services and Burials

There are a few other kinds of cremation containers and caskets such as green caskets that are made from natural materials or Jewish caskets, called arons, that are specially made for Jewish funerals. Also, in some instances, the family wishes to spend a bit more money on a decorated cremation casket. This usually happens when there is going to be a viewing or service with the body present before the cremation. These cremation caskets are decorated with combustible or removable hardware and are often made from wood and natural materials like bamboo or wicker. Or, in some cases, the common cremation container isn’t an option, such as when the body is larger than average and requires a sturdier box.

With so many choices, how do you choose the right container for your lost loved one? The first step is being informed and knowing your options, and then you should take the deceased’s wishes into account, as well as what kind of cremation and service you are going to have. Remember, though, at the end of the day there is no wrong choice as it only matters that you choose what’s right for you and the deceased.

Deer Creek Funeral Service, located at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546, can help you with any and all of your Dublin, CA cremation service needs or questions. Please give us a call at (510) 317-7890 today.

funeral homes in Dublin, CA

Do You Want Traditional Burial Services and Funeral Homes?

Though cremation services are becoming more and more popular all across the country, there are still many families that choose traditional burials over cremation. A large number of funeral homes in Dublin, CA offer both traditional burial and cremation services. Do you know which one you want? As other’s experiences may help you choose what’s right for you and your lost loved one, there are some common reasons why people choose traditional burial services.

Read also: Funeral Home Celebrations of Life

First, many families have been burying lost family members in the same cemetery for generations, so it’s important for them to continue this long-standing family tradition. For many people, holding onto this burial tradition is comforting in a time of loss and is an important part of their family history. There are also many religions that dictate burial over cremation even though other religions have come around to the idea of cremation over burial. Many branches of Christianity and Catholicism allow for cremation, but there are still many religions that hold firm in their beliefs that burial is the only way to go. For example, the Jewish faith does not condone cremation. If it’s important for you and your family to maintain religious traditions, then you should absolutely choose burial.

There are also a lot of myths surrounding cremation, from having ashes given to the wrong person to a lack of dignity. These myths might deter people from choosing cremation and have them choose burial instead. Even though these myths are mostly not based in fact, it’s perfectly OK for people to choose burial if they prefer or if it makes them more comfortable. If it’s your personal preference to choose burial, then that’s what you should do.

Sometimes the deceased leaves clear instructions for his or her final disposition. If the deceased wanted to be buried, then you should follow his or her wishes. However, at the end of the day, choosing a burial or a cremation all depends on what’s important to you and your family. There is nothing wrong with choosing a burial just as there is nothing wrong with choosing a cremation.

Read also: Do You Need An Estate Planning Attorney?

On average, cremations cost less than burials. This lowered cost is one of the main reasons why people are choosing cremation over burial. However, there are those that don’t mind the extra cost because burial is important to them and their family. Not everyone is concerned about cost when it comes to putting a loved one to rest. If you are ready to spend more money on a burial to honor your lost loved one or a family tradition than you should do so without any guilt.

Deer Creek Funeral Service is here to help if you want to learn more about burial, cremation or Dublin, CA funeral homes. You can stop by and visit us at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546 or give us a call at (510) 317-7890 for more information on what we can do for you.